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What's a safe age to start jumping ponies?

3K views 8 replies 8 participants last post by  JazzTash 
#1 ·
Hey everyone,
I'm on the hunt for a pony jumper, and I found one I really like- but after I started emailing the owner about her I noticed the mare's foaling date was March 2005. In it's pictures it was being schooled up to 3'3 and definitely had scope, but it seemed that it was being showed in the 2'6 range. I did a little research and could only find development ages for when drafts, arabs, warmbloods, and tbs could jump more than crossrails, but I couldn't find anything on ponies. Any help please?
 
#2 ·
I treat all ponies and horses the same. Trot poles at most at 3 and up, maybe very light jumping very low stuff from 4-5, and once they hit 5, and they've had a clean soundness check from the vet for their legs, start working them up from there, but do it slowly. Jumping 3'3" for a 4 year old horse is too big IMO. But after their done physically growing, a lot does still depend on their mental growth, and what they are ready for. Pushing a horse to fast always ends up hurting them in the end.
 
#3 ·
I treat all ponies and horses the same. Trot poles at most at 3 and up, maybe very light jumping very low stuff from 4-5, and once they hit 5, and they've had a clean soundness check from the vet for their legs, start working them up from there, but do it slowly. Jumping 3'3" for a 4 year old horse is too big IMO. But after their done physically growing, a lot does still depend on their mental growth, and what they are ready for. Pushing a horse to fast always ends up hurting them in the end.
thats pretty much the rule I go by....
 
#7 ·
I'd say regular jumping as of 5 years old. The occasional xrail or small vertical is okay at 4 to keep them entertained if they're quiet and have an experienced rider but that's it.
 
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